We’ve all had them in our classrooms. Those children who clearly are upset, unsettled and generally not happy. They may show it in anger, low-level disruption or even outright rudeness. They may also refuse to engage in anything no matter how whizzy you make it. Trying to get through the barrier they have put up can be really difficult. It may […]

As a teacher, there were two subjects I dreaded having to teach – science and music. Now the former was just a complete mystery to me. I had no interest in formulas, chemicals or how things grew. The latter was more about a lack of confidence because as a singer and musician (I played the recorder and clarinet) I loved […]

As both a teacher and a head teacher I had to have a good supply of stickers. These were for big as well as small people! We all love a sticker because they show achievement and recognition. That’s why when you give blood there is a selection of stickers for you to wear with pride. They can also easily express […]

Finding time for outdoor play at school can be tricky, especially in an already over-saturated curriculum. However, studies show that the time children spend outdoors is currently well below recommended levels. For the most part, this is to due to an overabundance of technology at home, but the onus is also on schools to provide opportunities for quality outdoor […]

Social media has been full of new starts by teachers but I was interested in another key group in education and have asked ‘ how will governors approach the new school year?’ Getting the right skills in the right places Nowadays, the role of the board of governors is a world away from the kindly group of individuals who […]

August Bank Holiday – for many, the last holiday before the autumn and winter set in. The last break before Christmas. The time to get down to the beach put a knotted hanky on your head and be British! What’s not to like? For those folks who are not in education, that long week-end at the end of August […]